MYF 56 | The Naturopathic Approach to PCOS with Khivan Oberoi, ND
Welcome to Episode 56!
In episode 56, we interview Naturopathic doctor and women’s health and fertility expert, Dr. Khivan Oberoi, about natural treatments for PCOS. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is one of the most common reproductive health conditions affecting women. It’s estimated to contribute to up to a third of infertility cases and it can also increase the risk of developing other chronic health conditions throughout life. Unfortunately, conventional medicine is pretty short on options for women with PCOS to optimize their health and fertility, which is why it’s so important to increase awareness of natural treatments that are both safe AND incredibly effective. We’re very excited to have Dr. Oberoi with us to share her knowledge and expertise about how women with PCOS can start working toward better metabolic health, balanced hormones, regular ovulation, and improved fertility! In this episode, you're going to learn:
The diagnostic criteria for PCOS, which tests should be considered, and why this can be a difficult condition to accurately diagnose
The major driving factors behind PCOS and how it can manifest differently in different women
How the naturopathic approach differs from conventional medicine when it comes to fertility
Specific nutrition and lifestyle recommendations that can have a huge positive impact on hormone balance and ovulation frequency
And important pitfalls to be aware of with PCOS treatment and how to avoid them
Links to episode resources
Dr. Oberoi’s Website: https://www.drkhivanoberoi.com/
Social Media: @naturalfertilityonline
Book by Dr. Fiona McCulloch: 8 Steps to Reverse Your PCOS
Want to be notified about upcoming episodes?
Show Notes:
5:45 Dr. Oberoi’s background and how she decided to become a naturopathic doctor
7:25 Her personal fertility journey and how that has impacted how she relates to fertility patients
10:25 How her interest in PCOS has grown and evolved over time as she’s learned more
12:50 The confusion around PCOS diagnosis and the diagnostic criteria that can (and should) be considered
15:40 Testing that can help assess for PCOS
18:50 Conditions that can present similarly to PCOS and potentially lead to misdiagnosis
21:10 Driving factors behind PCOS and how it can manifest differently in different women
25:30 Risk for disordered eating in PCOS patients and why it’s important for providers to be careful with nutrition conversations
29:00 How women get PCOS – combination of genetics and environment
30:00 Understanding the impact of the insulin response on PCOS and how diet affects this
33:20 The higher risk of chronic health issues in women with PCOS that are not fertility-related
37:00 The naturopathic approach to PCOS and fertility – diet, exercise, supplements, functional health assessment
41:15 Why specific types of exercise are so effective for PCOS
47:15 Taking a balanced, moderate, and individualized approach to nutrition, rather than insisting on excessive restriction
50:50 Perfection isn’t the goal and it’s not healthy to have an “all or nothing” mentality about food and lifestyle
54:35 Mental health struggles that can come up during chronic health struggles and fertility treatment
56:45 Dr. Oberoi’s top piece of advice for women going through infertility